2008 ARRC by GRM Tentative Schedule

[IPRESS]

Butch, in the spirit of the car share (which I have done since 2000 at ARRC), Do you think the ITA cars which seems to be a pretty large group might do some SSM /ASM type share between ITA / ITU? Is that even legal? I know last year ITU could have used some more entries and just guessing an "A" car could run close at least by those times above.
If that is a legit option moving that run group to last would give a little turn arounf for both ASM / SSM and ITU / ITA racers working the share angle.

Whatever you get worked out some of us will like and some will not, so it ain't a biggie.
It still will be the top IT event of the year.

[Beran]

I agree with everything Jake said.
I'd also like to point to your post:
"Group 1 - 41.7 cars
ITB - 16.3 (1:46.126) <---------
ITC - 10.7 (1:47.978)
ITT - 3.7 (1:51.157
SRX - 4.0 (1:50.127)
SSM - 7.0 (1:46.124) <---------

The ITB & SSM lap record are within 2 thousands of a second. Rear wheel versus front wheel will make both the SSM and ITB race basically one big race. Both classes will be racing against cars in thier class AND the other class. This is frustrating and not fun.
IMHO Miata's CAN go to the Runoff's and compete nationaly..... at this point IT cannot and THIS is the location for that. If you put us in the same group then this is NOT the location and race for a "National" IT event. A split start will help but one double yellow will crush that. I know "we" need the Miata folks for the $$$ to keep the event viable but let's still keep some semblance of an IT event.
YMMV

[Butch Kummer]

Now that Barber is behind us I'll work on finalizing the ARRC schedule, but the outpouring of emotion (and valid arguments) has convinced me that my original logic process was not (logical).

I'll post it later this week, but the ITB/ITC group will remain as it was for 2007 (no SSM). I'll be getting with the Chief Steward (new one this year) regarding split starts in all/most groups (including GTA/SPO), but all I can tell you right now is *I* am in favor of them.

More later...

[lateapex911]

.....has convinced me that my original logic process was not (logical).

Nah...it was logical, just maybe not as logical as it could be.

[Catch22]

I second what some folks said above.

You have to understand how important the ARRC is to ITB and ITC drivers not just because its the ARRC but because its a chance to actually get your own race without dodging pinatas all day.

[Butch Kummer]

I'm attaching the proposed Schedule that is currently under review by the Stewards and Race Board. Once I have their approval we'll be sending it off to Topeka.

I've talked to our new for 2008 Chief Steward Laurie Sheppard about split starts. While she's not a fan of them, she's "okay" with them as long as we have two pace cars (which we will). She also understands the nature of this event makes a split start more desireable, and has agreed with my request to do split starts in most if not all the run groups.

Proposed Groups:

Group 1: ITB, ITC, ITT, SRX
Group 2: ASM, DP, ITU
Group 3: GP, IT7, ITA
Group 4: ITR, ITS, SPU, SSM
Group 5: BP, ITO, ST, TCC
Group 6: ASR, CFC, FB, FS
Group 7: GTA, SPO
Group 8: CF, FFX, FST
Group 9: Pro-IT – ASM, IT7, ITA, ITB, ITC, ITR, ITS, ITT, ITU, SRX, SSM
Group 10: “Bonus” Race – ASR, CF, CFC, FB, FFX, FS
Group 11: Enduro – ASM, IT7, ITA, ITB, ITC, ITO, ITR, ITS, ITT, ITU, SRX, SSM


Friday, 11/7:
. 20-minute qualifying session for Groups 1-9
. lunch (and $10 Track Tours)
. 15-minute qualifying sessions (gridded by morning times) Groups 1-8
. 20-lap Pro-IT race

Saturday, 11/8:
. "out-in" hardship warm-up
. 20-lap ARRC Championship races, Groups 1-4
. lunch (and $10 Track Tours)
. 20-lap ARRC Championship races, Groups 5-8

Sunday, 11/9:
. 30-minute qualifying, Group 11A (ASM, ITB, ITC, ITT, SRX, SSM)
. 20-minute qualifying, Group 10
. 30-minute qualifying, Group 11B (IT7, ITA, ITO, ITR, ITS, ITU)
. 10:00 - 12:30: Quiet Time and PDX sessions on track
. 20-lap "Bonus" race for Group 10
. Three-Hour Enduro, Group 11

[lateapex911]

Glad to see the dialog and the consideration, Butch!

Immediate reactions: (both purely greedy!)

-Laurie Sheppard as the Chief Stew? Good choice.
-And move lunch up between groups 3 and 4 so we IT guys can cheer on our brethren.

Question, how will you actually "split" the groups like 1,3, 4?

Will it be:
1: Pace car: ITB ------------ Pace car: ITC ITT & SRX?
3: Pace car: ITA ------------ Pace car: IT7, GP?
4: Pace car: ITR, ITS, STU -- Pace car: SSM?

[Greg Amy]

Group 4: ITR, ITS, SPU, SSM

Any guesses why that made me - literally - gasp and cringe...?

That, right there, will be a group to watch, just for the carnage potential...

[mlytle]

You have to understand how important the ARRC is to ITB and ITC drivers not just because its the ARRC but because its a chance to actually get your own race without dodging pinatas all day.

same logic applies to ITA, ITS and ITR.......

miatas race in packs. ITS/ITR power is negated when the miatas constantly go 2,3, 4 cars wide on every straight and through turns trying to get around each other. BTDT. nothing against miatas, but it really sucks racing with them. they just race differently than IT cars.